Wonder and Majesty

The last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to be at the beach. Last week I had the opportunity to actually spend some prayerful time on the beach. This week I was at a conference at the beach and got a lot less actual time at the beach. I have repeatedly found the beach to be a source of peace and inspiration. The week before last I spent some time reflecting on Psalm 19:

Psalm 19 -- New Living Translation (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

2 Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known.

3 They speak without a sound or word;

their voice is never heard.[a]

4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,

reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8 The commandments of the Lord are right,

bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are clear,

giving insight for living.

9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,

lasting forever.

The laws of the Lord are true;

each one is fair.

10 They are more desirable than gold,

even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey,

even honey dripping from the comb.

11 They are a warning to your servant,

a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!

Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt

and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing to you,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Footnotes:

Psalm 19:3 Or There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Last Monday, October 1st, as I sat on the beach (with the view from the photo above), Psalm 19 was still on my heart and mind. Watching the waves crash in and make patterns on the shore, the birds feast and frolick in the surf, and the dolphins swim and play offshore, I scrawled out this poem in my prayer journal:

Wonder and Majesty -- A Study in the Natural Revelation of God

In You there is rhythm

Yet You are not predictable

Or fully known

In You there are patterns

Yet You color outside the lines

And thwart expectations

In You all light has its source

Yet creation cannot help but reflect that light

Acting as a beacon of Your glory and love

Enfolding us where we are

You are mindful of the little things

You are intentional about each detail

Your creation reveals how much you love and care for all that You create